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Conservation of wild birds strengthened with renewal of Avifauna protocol

A partnership between E-REDES, ICNF, SPEA, Quercus and LPN promotes minimizing the impact of high and medium voltage overhead power lines on bird species with high conservation status.

The Avifauna X Protocol was signed on May 20, with the aim of renewing the commitment of E-REDES, ICNF, SPEA, Quercus and LPN to promoting solutions to protect birds. The protocols reinforce the Technical Commission for Monitoring Power Lines and Birds - CTALEA - set up since 2003 by the first four entities, which was also joined in 2013 by the LPN. These five partners work together to make high and medium voltage power lines compatible with bird conservation in mainland Portugal. Under these protocols, it has been possible to identify the risks posed by power lines when interacting with birds, particularly species with a high threat status, and this is "an important support for correcting power lines that are dangerous for birdlife", says Maria Graça Lima, President of the National Directorate of SPEA.

In order to continue to deepen knowledge in this area and define evolutionary methods of approach, the Avifauna X Protocol introduced some new features compared to previous protocols that will allow significant advances in bird protection. "A unique and exemplary partnership between NGOs, companies and the state in the study and implementation of solutions to reduce the impact of electricity distribution on wild birds," says Maria Alexandra Santos Azevedo, President of the National Directorate of Quercus. Thus, there are six new objectives to highlight:

  1. To collaborate in the development of a model for assessing biodiversity and ecosystem services in the Secondary Network of Fuel Management Bands (RSFGC) of the distribution network, with a focus on birdlife;
  2. To promote the continuous improvement of E-REDES procedures in relations with the national authorities responsible for protecting birdlife; 
  3. Strengthen coordination with the competent authorities in investigating the causes of fires attributed to the electrocution of birds; 
  4. Monitor biodiversity conservation measures in steppe areas;
  5. Improve the methodology for identifying critical lines for birdlife and assess the environmental and social benefits resulting from mitigation actions in a pilot area;
  6. Raise awareness among professional stakeholders of the need to collect data on incidents involving birds on the network.
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The avifauna protocols define a distinctive and efficient working model, based on a voluntary partnership, which continues to this day and into the future, with the Avifauna X Protocol running until the end of 2026.

João Brito Martins, E-REDES Administrator

The work carried out by these protocols "has made it possible to minimize the negative impact of power lines on the habitat of the birds we find in our country, many of them migratory birds that arrive in Portugal every year for the breeding season, or that pass through here as their route of choice for their journeys," says Nuno Banza, president of the ICNF's Board of Directors.

Over the years, it has been possible to carry out prospecting and monitoring studies of overhead power lines, producing collision and electrocution risk charts for the target species. Likewise, the power lines identified have allowed E-REDES to intervene in the introduction of the best technologies available to minimize electrocution and collision, as well as assessing the effectiveness of the various technical solutions applied, actions that have been leveraged through projects with EU funding. "The aim of this protocol is to explicitly combine bird conservation and electricity distribution." Underlines Pedro Bingre do Amaral, President of the LPN National Board.

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